Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has vowed to defend his country’s interests after the United States announced new tariffs on selected Brazilian imports, escalating trade tensions between the two nations.
The US government said it will impose a 25% tariff on certain imports from Brazil, accusing the South American nation of engaging in unfair trade practices.
Brazil has strongly rejected the allegations, describing the tariffs as unjustified and politically motivated. The government has warned that it is prepared to introduce reciprocal measures against US products if necessary.
Speaking during a visit to a mobile women’s health unit in Rio de Janeiro on Friday, President Lula briefly addressed the growing trade dispute, saying the focus of the event should remain on healthcare.
“When Trump speaks, I’ll speak,” Lula said before adding that Brazil would not tolerate disrespect from any country.
“Brazil does not accept any other country in the world disrespecting Brazil,” he declared.
According to the Brazilian government, the new US tariffs affect around 3,000 product categories. Officials are now assessing how to respond under legislation approved by Brazil’s Congress in 2025, which allows the country to introduce reciprocal trade measures.
In an official statement, Lula’s office rejected claims that Brazil maintains unfair trade policies against the United States.
The government noted that 76% of US goods entered Brazil duty-free in 2025 and said the average tariff applied to American imports was only 3.1%.
Brazil also said it intends to challenge the US decision through international trade mechanisms, including the World Trade Organization’s dispute settlement system.
Officials stressed that any response would be carefully considered while protecting Brazil’s economic interests and international trade commitments.
The latest dispute adds to growing global trade tensions as countries respond to new tariff policies introduced by the United States.
While Washington argues the measures are necessary to protect American industries, Brazil insists the decision lacks economic justification and could negatively affect trade relations between the two countries.
The Brazilian government has not yet announced when it will make a final decision on possible retaliatory tariffs.
The situation is expected to remain under close watch as both governments consider their next steps and the possibility of further negotiations.
